Just One Kiss (Fool's Gold #10)(85)

“Love can’t do that.”

“It can.”

“Your father didn’t love anyone. Not even himself. But you’re not him. You never were. As for the rest of it, this is Fool’s Gold, not an op. You walked away from that life, Justice. More significant, you came here on purpose.”

He covered her hand with his. “I didn’t know where else to go. I had to see Patience again. But I wasn’t supposed to stay.”

“You’ve been drawn to this place since you left. You belong here. You have something special, something that can’t be manufactured.” Her expression turned sad. “Something so many of us want.”

He squeezed her fingers. “You’ll find the right guy.”

“I hope you’re correct. I want to and I’m afraid. I’ve never had such mixed emotions. Sometimes the desire is stronger and sometimes the fear. I’ve tried to create a formula to predict my emotions, but I’m unable to.”

He released her and stepped back. “Maybe that’s part of the magic of being human.”

She smiled. “I agree. There is an element of magic. And chemistry. While I can detail the process and even the hormones involved, I can’t tell you why one person will cause the reaction and another won’t. You were never interested in me that way.”

“No.” He pulled her close. “Life would have been easier if I had been.”

“For both of us.”

They held each other for a few seconds, and then she moved away.

“Although I was angry at the time, I’m glad we never had sexual relations,” she told him. “Not only because it could have damaged our friendship but because it might have been...” She hesitated.

“Gross” he offered.

She laughed. “Yes. Gross.” Her humor faded. “Justice, you will never truly be free of your past. But if you let that fear win, then so does your father. I know the man you are. I’ve seen you under nearly every circumstance possible. I know who you are when you’re exhausted and wounded and hopeless. I would trust you with my life. If I had a child, I would trust you with that child’s life. Whoever your father was has no bearing on who you have become. You’re a good man. Patience deserves a good man.”

He wanted to believe her. Wanted the promise of long years with Patience. Lillie’s offhanded comment about having a son had lodged in his brain. He would like that. He would also like a little girl. Children and a home. And a lifetime with Patience.

Felicia was right. He’d never forgotten her, had always thought about the girl he’d known so long ago. Stupid maybe, but true. So he’d come and she was even more than he’d imagined.

He wanted to give her all he had, to plan a future with her, to enjoy the rhythm of life in this ridiculous town. All that stood between this moment and that future was his father. Oh, and Patience, he thought with a smile. He had to convince her to say yes.

It was a simple choice. The past or the future. The wide-open bright light of promise or the small, dark corner of shame. Yes, a simple choice, but not an easy one. Because to pick the light meant having faith in himself.

“I can’t lose her,” he said.

Felicia sighed. “That’s so romantic.”

He glanced at his watch. “I have to go. Can we pick this up later?”

“Yes. Go.”

* * *

JENEL’S GEMS WAS an elegant store with more rings than Justice had ever seen in one place. Not that he could remember ever being in a jewelry store before. He hadn’t known about this one until he’d seen the box Lillie’s present had come in.

He stared down at the display of twinkling diamonds and felt his chest tighten. How was he supposed to decide?

“Good morning.”

A tall, pretty blonde walked in from the rear of the store and smiled at him. “I’m Jenel. How can I help?”

“I’m, uh, Justice Garrett. I want to buy an engagement ring.”

Her smile widened. “Based on your slightly panicked expression, I’m going to guess this is a decision made recently?”

“Just now. But it’s right. I won’t change my mind.”

“Good to know, although we do have a return policy.” She studied him. “Who’s the lucky lady? Just so you know, I’m very good at keeping secrets. Knowing the future bride helps me guide you toward the rings she would like most.”

“Patience McGraw.”

Jenel’s blue eyes lit up. “I know Patience. She’s wonderful and her daughter is adorable. I’m so happy for both of you. Don’t you love her new store? The logo is charming and so creative.” Jenel sighed. “This is great news. All right. You need to take a few deep breaths and then we’ll look at rings. Do you have anything in mind?”

She pointed to a padded stool. He sank down and looked at the display in front of him.

“I have no idea. Something nice. A ring she’d like.”

“Patience isn’t especially flashy, and with the work she does, a large solitaire might get in the way. Having said that, every girl loves a little flash with her bling. And it’s very satisfying to have a sparkly engagement ring.”

She pulled out several rings and put them on a padded, velvet tray. “These are simple solitaire diamonds. Classic and elegant. You can go any number of ways with the band. Platinum, gold or something with diamonds. I would urge you to consider the latter because she probably won’t wear her engagement ring all the time. Especially at work. So diamonds in a wedding band are a nice touch.”